Over 3,600 native trees to be planted along SLEX

MANILA, Philippines - Motorists will soon enjoy the sight of over 3,600 native trees along the roadside at the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Last Saturday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided 3,608 seedlings of Palawan cherry, alibangbang, bilitbitan, banaba, golden shower and narra trees to be planted along the southbound lane from Kimberly Overpass to the Saimsim Road Overpass.

It is part of a private sector-led “greening” initiative with the support of the government.

Rotary Club International spearheaded the tree planting in partnership with the Career Executive Service Board and the South Luzon Tollways Corp. (SLTC).

Since 2010, they have planted a total of 18,423 seedlings with a survival rate of 80 percent.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said the annual event was a “valuable contribution” to the National Greening Program (NGP).

The government’s flagship reforestation program seeks to cover 1.5 million hectares with trees by 2016, he added.

Paje said the tree-planting activity promotes road safety, fosters a healthier ecology along the expressway, and enhances the road’s aesthetic value.

“Beyond the visual pleasure these trees give to motorists is the ‘gift’ they provide in terms of road safety given their role as natural windbreakers and for improving the SLEX’s micro-climate,” he said.

Trees provide shade, absorb car engine emissions and increase the amount of oxygen production, he added.